Mart Poom will not play again in 2004 after it emerged that the Sunderland keeper is now struggling to shake off a hip complaint which will sideline him until the New Year.

But the Estonian's fitness setback could prove to be a blessing in disguise should, as now appears certain, it ward off unwelcome interest from rival clubs during the opening of the January transfer window.

With Edwin van der Sar still to sign a new contract - and reportedly attracting attention from Manchester United - Poom has been linked with Fulham and, although Bob Murray has insisted no players will leave the Stadium of Light next month, the 32-year-old is one of the club's most saleable assets and a firm bid would give the Black Cats a dilemma.

Yet a player who has been out of action since October 16 seems to still be some weeks away from making a first-team comeback and his latest troubles could now guarantee his future on Wearside.

Poom has missed Sunderland's last 10 fixtures following surgery to correct a knee cartilage problem and although it was initially hoped that a routine operation would necessitate a recuperation period of four weeks, a string of subsequent problems have left the former Pride Park favourite a frustrated figure.

A tweaked medial ligament caused alarm at the start of this month; but Poom's knee is understood to be in good shape and, although thigh and hip injuries have further postponed the player's return, Mick McCarthy has no fears regarding his long-term fitness.

"It will take as long as it takes," said the Black Cats boss who, thanks to the impressive form of Thomas Myhre during the last two months, has managed to sustain his team's challenge for promotion despite the absence of his number one keeper.

"It isn't his knee - he has hurt his hip flexor - but it's not a concern. It's just a niggly one and Mart will be fine."

Poom has resumed jogging this week and while McCarthy has been reluctant to speculate as to when he will be challenging Myhre for a place between the posts, it is clear he will play no part in a hectic festive programme.

The string of problems which have kept Poom on the sidelines have spared his manager the tough dilemma of having to choose between the keeper he has relied on heavily during his reign and Myhre - who has kept six clean sheets in his 10 games.

The Norwegian's future remains uncertain. McCarthy is determined to retain the player's services until the expiration of his contract at the end of this season and Poom's extended absence could help on that front.

Kevin Kyle will also be out of action until the New Year and the striker, who has not played since August, will today visit a specialist in a bid to expedite his recovery from hip surgery. The Scot had set himself a target of returning for the festive period but has since been forced to concede that his comeback will take much longer.

McCarthy is hoping that Steve Caldwell will be available for the Boxing Day visit of Leeds to the Stadium of Light - although no chances will be taken with the influential defender.

The 24-year-old missed last weekend's defeat of Burnley as the result of a hamstring problem and although at the start of the week the club's medical staff insisted he had no chance of facing Leeds, Caldwell has made encouraging progress.

"We didn't think he had any chance but it appears now that he does," added McCarthy.

"He was out running on Tuesday and, if he is fit, I will be delighted."

* MICHAEL Bridges will finally complete his permanent move to the Stadium of Light when his three-month loan contract from Bolton expires tomorrow. The striker has agreed a contract until June with the option of a further 12 months.

* SUNDERLAND will face the holders Middlesbrough in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. The two sides will meet at the Riverside Stadium on January 20 (7pm).